Post Vegas: The Aftermath

I am in withdrawal. Maybe you think it's sad, maybe you think it's pathetic, perhaps I need to reevaluate my personal life, but it's the truth. Here I am in Boston, my "home", stuck in between trips...Vegas has come and gone, and now Costa Rica is seven days away. Do you ever feel the same way? Wondering how to mangage this type of withdrawal? Here are some suggestions off the top of my head.

Kate and Ray, my Skype and MSN partners

My internet connection.
Internet into the home- wireless, preferably- is essential. Skype, MSN, and Facebook- these are three programs that keep me permanently connected with my friends and online gaming contacts throughout the world. For example, I spent three hours talking to Kate from Wager Profits through Skype on Friday night, I discussed tacos, hamburgers and hotdogs over MSN with Action Poker Network's meat loving Ray throughout the weekend, and I posted Vegas pics on Facebook.com. See? Essential. For some added spice, go out and buy yourself a webcam so you can see your friends when you talk to them. WARNING: some people might get the wrong idea, so be sure to clearly communicate what your webcam limits and rules consist of. Otherwise, have fun and enjoy.

Tomas from Poker Host, my Swedish tutor

Learn a new language (or several).
I am now fluent in Spanish, Swedish and Hebrew. Can you believe that? Now I can converse in the native language of many of my online gaming friends and contacts- you have no idea how much it helps with our working relationship and friendship. Ok, fine, maybe I am not 100% fluent, but I have learned some key words and phrases. For example, "rrrrrrrrrrrrrrica la carne", "hola", "sååååja", "puss", "shalom", and "shpritz". See what I'm saying? Almost fluent.

Tell your friends and loved ones about your job and enjoy their reaction.
I receive all sorts of feedback when sharing my job, my industry, and my travel stories with "the outsiders". As I'm sure you can relate, the reactions tend to fall into one of three categories: 1)jealousy, 2)fascination, 3)horrification. Try and guess what category your friend, significant other and/or family member will fall into- you never know- sometimes people will surprise you.

Costa Rrrrrrica!

Book a plane ticket...to Costa Rica.
Considering most of my closest industry friends currently reside in Costa Rica, I love visiting this country and it feels like home. Take it from me...when you start to experience industry withdrawal, book a trip to visit industry friends outside of a conference. Enjoy yourself. Enjoy the new country. It is something to look forward to. Plus, you can go out drinking all night, sleep all day, and misbehave as much as you want- there is no conference to attend the next day. How incredible is that.

Ménage à trios?

Plan a threesome.
Yep. Got your attention, didn't I? I am completely kidding- that was a joke. However, on a serious note, every industry girl knows that every industry guy will try (especially when a conference is approaching), so why don't you? Maybe you'll be the one to get lucky. Sååååja.